US20130079172A1

US20130079172A1 - Golf Club

Info

Publication number: US20130079172A1
Application number: US13/681,041
Authority: US
Inventors: Gregory James Roger; David Gordon Hale
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-11-20
Filing date: 2012-11-19
Publication date: 2013-03-28

Abstract

A golf club or implement comprising a grip region, a head, and a shaft connecting the grip region to the head. A fairing is attachable to a trailing edge of the shaft and/or surface treatment such as dimpling is applied to the shaft. The fairing and/or surface treatment can reduce drag associated with the shaft during a swing motion of the club or implement. The fairing can, on attachment, extend along a portion of the shaft from a location proximal the head of the club or implement.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/743,958, which is a U.S. National Stage Entry of International Patent Application No. PCT/AU08/01720, filed Nov. 20, 2008, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field
The present application relates in part to implements, tools or sporting items, for example a golf club, that must move be moved during a typical use. In one embodiment, the application describes an arrangement that has the potential to increase the stability and speed of an implement, tool of sporting item as it is moved during use. Again, for example, in the case of a golf club, the arrangement can be suitable to provide an increase in the stability and club head speed of a golf club during a golf swing. The present application also describes a device for training a golf swing, and for applying remedial measures for use during practice and also for providing feedback during the swing to the player and the player's coach.
2. Background Art
By way of example only, some background will firstly be provided by some comments concerning the game of golf. Golf is a popular pastime of both sexes and is played by people of all ages and abilities.
Golf is played with golf clubs of various types. Golf clubs generally come in three forms: woods, irons and putters which are distinguished by the shape of the club and the intended use of the club. While commonly referred to as “woods”, it will be appreciated that such clubs are now typically fabricated from a metal or metal alloy. Woods and irons are generally used to hit the ball desired distances in the air with spin and/or loft, while putters are generally used to impart rolling motion to the ball as it travels across a green adjacent the hole.
For woods and irons in particular, the clubs are typically swung at speed to contact the hall, making the ball airborne in a direction towards a desired target. In this regard, much emphasis has been placed on developing and manufacturing woods and irons in a manner that provides the golfer with increased control over the length of their drive and the direction of the hall following impact. Generally, most advances have been focussed on increasing the size of the club head and/or optimising the weight distribution of the club. It will be appreciated that most existing clubs still comprise a hand grip, tubular shaft and head.
For woods, in particular driving woods, club head speed has been considered as being important in obtaining relatively long driving distances. As most conventional drivers have a club head with a substantially flat face to contact the ball that is located on the end of a tubular shaft, swinging of the club at speed will generate aerodynamic drag which can greatly reduce the speed and/or stability of the club head during a golf swing. Such drag can be particularly detrimental to golfers who are learning the game and/or developing their swing technique, as well as those looking to optimise their game.
The design and manufacture of golf clubs is also a highly regulated field and is governed by laws set by the game authorities. The proportions of the club head are controlled by the rules of golf. The design of the golf club shaft is also controlled. For example, it is understood that the shaft of a golf club cannot have a greater stiffness in any plane as compared to the other. This is, at least in part, to prevent stability being built into the club shaft in a fore/aft plane while still allowing “whip” during the swing. In short, the club shaft must be homogeneous in its stiffness in all planes.
While the above background has concentrated on golf clubs, it will be appreciated that golf clubs are just one example of an implement, sporting or otherwise, that during use may need to be moved through air.
Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present application. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present application as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.
According to a first aspect, the present application is directed to a fairing for a golf club or other implement having a grip region and which is moved in use, the fairing being attachable to the shaft of the golf club or implement to reduce drag associated with said shaft during a swing motion of the club or movement of the device, wherein on attachment the fairing extends along a portion of the shaft from a location proximal an end of the club or implement that is distal the grip region where the club or device is normally held.
According to a second aspect, the present application is directed to a golf club or implement comprising: a grip region; a head; a shaft connecting the grip region to the head; and a fairing attachable to the shaft to reduce drag associated with said shaft during a swing motion of the club or implement, wherein on attachment the fairing extends along a portion of the shaft from a location proximal the head of the club or implement.
According to another aspect, the present application is a golf club or implement comprising:
a grip region; a head; a shaft connecting the grip region to the head; and a drag reduction means attachable to the shaft to reduce drag associated with said shaft during a swing motion of the club or implement, wherein on attachment the drag reduction means extends along a portion of the shaft from a location proximal the head of the club or implement.
In this aspect, the drag reductions means can comprise a fairing, such as the fairing defined herein with respect to other aspects.
In one embodiment the fairing can be non-removably attachable to the shaft, for example the trailing edge of the shaft. In this embodiment, the fairing and the shaft can form a substantially continuous surface.
In another embodiment, the fairing can be removably attachable to the shaft, for example, the trailing edge of the shaft. The fairing can be removable in its entirety and/or removable in part.
According to one aspect, the present application is directed to a fairing for a golf club or other implement having a grip region and which is moved in use, the fairing being attached or attachable to the shaft of the golf club or implement to reduce drag associated with said shaft during a swing motion of the club or movement of the implement, wherein the fairing comprises one or more parts that are independently removable from the fairing such as to alter the drag reducing properties of the fairing.
In this or any of the other aspects, parts of the fairing may be removable such as to reduce the degree to which the fairing projects from the shaft and/or to reduce the degree to which the fairing extends along the length of the shaft. By removing part of the fairing, the drag associated with the shaft during a swing motion or movement of the club or implement can be varied. For example, parts of the fairing may be progressively removed over time as a player develops greater muscle strength. In one embodiment, one or more independently removable parts of the fairing may be connected to each other and/or to the shaft via one or more frangible elements, releasable clips, releasable fasteners or otherwise.
In another embodiment, parts of the fairing may be relatively movable such as to change the drag reducing properties of the fairing. For example, rather than being removed, parts may be repositioned relative to other parts of the fairing and/or shaft such as to increase or decrease the drag relief provided by the fairing. For example, a part of the fairing may be rotated relative to other parts of the fairing such that, aerodynamically, the rotated part is in a less optimal position during a swing motion or movement of the club or implement.
According to one aspect, the present application is directed to a fairing for a golf club or other implement having a grip region and which is moved in use, the fairing being attached or attachable to the shaft of the golf club or implement to reduce drag associated with said shaft during a swing motion of the club or movement of the implement, wherein the fairing comprises parts that are relatively movable such as to alter the drag reducing properties of the fairing.
In one aspect, the present application provides a fairing for a golf club or other implement having a grip region and which is moved in use, the fairing being attached or attachable to the shaft of the golf club or implement to reduce drag associated with said shaft during a swing motion of the club or movement of the implement, wherein the fairing comprises parts that are movable relative to each other or independently removable from the fairing such as to alter the drag reducing properties of the fairing.
In a further embodiment of any one or more of the aspects described herein, the fairing can be attachable to the shaft adjacent the head. It can extend along the shaft away from the head for a length less than half, more preferably less than a third, of the length of the shaft. In one embodiment, the fairing can extend along the shaft from the head for a length of between about 5 cm and 60 cm, for example between 10 cm and 50 cm, or between about 10 cm and 30 cm, or for about 20 cm along the shaft, for example the trailing edge thereof.
In yet another embodiment, the fairing can have a maximum thickness that is substantially the same as, or slightly less than, the diameter of the shaft. This width will be dependent on the nature of the implement. For example, in the case of a golf club, at its maximum, the width can be between about 5 mm and 20 mm, for example about or less than 15 mm. At least a portion of the fairing can also be shaped such that it conforms to the trailing edge or face of the shaft. In a still further embodiment, the fairing can be spaced from the shaft. In one example, the spacing can be between about 5 mm and 30 mm, for example about 20 mm. The spacing having this value can be between a lower end of the fairing that is relatively closest to the head and the shaft.
In one embodiment, the thickness of the fairing can decrease away from the shaft. This decrease in thickness can be uniform or non-uniform over some or all of the width of the fairing.
In one embodiment and in the case of a golf club, the width of the fairing can be such that the lower end of the fairing extends backwardly from the shaft a distance greater than the width of the head of the club. The lower end could extend backwardly for a distance that is the same than or less than one of the dimensions, for example, the width, length or height, of the head.
The fairing can decrease in width from its lower end to its upper end that is positioned distal the head. In one embodiment, the width can taper over some or all of the length of the fairing. Still further, the taper can be substantially linear or linear from the lower end to the upper end. In another embodiment, the fairing can increase in width from its lower end to the upper end. Again, the width can taper over some or all of the length of the fairing. As above, this taper can be substantially linear or linear from the lower end to the upper end.
In a still further embodiment, the fairing can be attachable to the shaft, for example, by way of one or more swivel mechanisms, such that it can move relative to the shaft. In the case of a golf club, and during the swing motion of the club, the fairing can be free to move relative to the shaft. In this regard, during the swing motion, the angle of incidence of the fairing to the direction of motion may vary. Such variation may act to provide optimal drag relief throughout the swing motion.
The fairing can be movable relative to the shaft such that it can be oriented between various desired positions. Once in a desired position the fairing can then be maintained or locked in that position and stay there during use of the club or implement and/or when it is desired to adjust the position of the fairing. In this embodiment, one or more swivel mechanisms can be provided that allow the fairing to be moved relative to the shaft but then locked in position. In another embodiment, one or more movement devices or swivel mechanisms can be provided that allow the fairing to be moved relative to the shaft between first and second stop positions during a swing motion or other movement of the club or implement.
According to one aspect, the present application is directed to a fairing for a golf club or other implement having a grip region and which is moved in use, the fairing being attached or attachable to the shaft of the golf club or implement to reduce drag associated with said shaft during a swing motion of the club or movement of the implement, wherein the fairing is movably attached or attachable to the shaft of the golf club or implement such that the fairing is movable relative to the shaft between first and second stop positions during the swing motion of the club or movement of the implement.
In any of the aspects described herein, the shaft may be freely moveable between the first and second positions. The first and second positions may be defined by stop elements mounted directly or indirectly on the shaft, which stop elements can abut the fairing directly or indirectly when movement of the fairing reaches the first or second position. For example, in one embodiment, the fairing can be relatively rotatable about the direction of elongation of the shaft, between at least two spaced apart stop elements, through an angle of between about 10 and 70 degrees, e.g. about 20 or 30 degrees, or otherwise. The range of motion may be centred about the trailing edge of the shaft or otherwise. The location of the stops can be fixed or can be adjustable such that the range of motion of the fairing can be adapted as desired.
In another mechanism, attachment of the fairing to the shaft can be such that the fairing can only undergo a change in orientation by being firstly removed from the shaft and then reattached in a different orientation. The fairing can adopt two or more orientations relative to the shaft.
In an embodiment of any aspect described herein, the attachment of the fairing can be made in a way that it does not substantially alter the stiffness of the shaft. The fairing can be attached to the shaft at a number of spaced locations. The locations can be equidistant apart or non-equidistant apart. The attachments can comprise circumferential members that loop around and/or through the shaft and also through or in another way connected to the fairing. The attachments can comprise circumferential or non-circumferential members. In one embodiment, the attachments can comprise peg members embedded or otherwise connected to the shaft with the fairing attached to a portion of the peg members extending outwardly from the shaft.
The attachments, such as the circumferential members, non-circumferential members or the peg members, can be relatively thin compared to the dimensions of the fairing and/or shaft so as to ensure to the properties of these members does not significantly modify the overall stiffness of the club shaft. The attachments can also be formed and/or positioned so as to ensure the fairing does not substantially resist any bending action of the shaft as it is swung and, for example, strikes a ball. In another embodiment, the fairing may be filleted to allow it to bend, at least partially, as much as the shaft during a swing of that shaft.
In one embodiment, the attachments can be removable from the fairing and/or shaft. A set of attachments can be used to attach different fairings to a shaft. For example, where a player is training or is a beginner, that player may gradually progress from using one size or type of fairing mounted or attached to the shaft to a different size or type of fairing. The attachments can be used to allow attachment of the different types of fairing.
In yet another embodiment, the fairing can have a curved body. The fairing can be curved relative to a lateral plane and/or a longitudinal plane.
In another embodiment, the fairing can have a first face and a second face with one or both of these faces being curved. The curvature of the first and second faces can be both convex and terminate in a distal edge or the fairing can be truncated.
In another embodiment, the curvature of the first face can be convex. In this case, the second face can be flat, concave or convex. When the second face is convex, the first face can be flat, concave or convex. In this embodiment, the distances between the first and second faces can remain constant for some, the majority or all of the width of the fairing. In another embodiment, the distance between the first convex face and second concave face can decrease toward an edge of the fairing distal the shaft.
Some or all of the curvature of the curved body, the first face (if curved) and/or the second face (if curved) can be substantially circular or circular, substantially elliptical or elliptical, substantially parabolic or parabolic or substantially hyperbolic or hyperbolic. In one embodiment, the curvature can be substantially non-circular in cross-section. In one form, the body may be in the form of an aerofoil and be wing or blade-shaped in cross section. In another embodiment, the body may be substantially oval or oval, substantially elliptical or elliptical or tear-drop-shaped in cross section. Other suitable cross-sectional shapes can be used.
Still further, the cross-sectional shape of the fairing may vary over the height of the fairing. For example, the cross-sectional shape in say the upper half of the fairing may be different to that in the lower half of the fairing.
Some or all of the body of the fairing may be made from a relatively lightweight material. As an example only, the body may be made at least in part from carbon-fibre, a plastics material, or wood, or combinations thereof.
In a still further embodiment, the body of the fairing may also have one or more of holes, orifices or indentations provided therein which generate a sound as air passes therethrough or thereover. The sound, which can be a whistling sound, can be used to provide feedback to the individual user of the club or implement or to a person training the user (e.g. a trainer or coach) regarding the motion of the club or implement during the swing. Other whistling devices or whistling means mounted to or embedded in the fairing and/or the club head can also be envisaged and utilised for the same purpose as described herein.
Feedback provided by the sound producing means such as the whistling means can be used by the individual or their trainer/coach to adjust the fairing angle with respect to the shaft to suit the needs of the individual. In this regard, the whistling means, if used, may be formed through the fairing at angles which generate different notes indicative of the motion of the club during the stroke, with different notes indicating different angles of malrotation. Upon optimising the position of the fairing in accordance with this system, a permanent fairing can be attached to the shaft of the individual's clubs or implement in accordance with what has been determined to be the optimal orientation.
Parts of the fairing can be relatively movable, e.g. relatively rotatable, such that they can be canted at different relative angles.
According to one aspect, the present application is directed to a fairing for a golf club or other implement having a grip region and a shaft and which is moved in use, the fairing being attached or attachable to the shaft of the golf club or implement, wherein the fairing comprises a plurality parts that are movable relative to each other.
In this aspect or any other aspect, the relatively movable parts of the fairing can be relatively rotatable, such that they can be canted at different relative angles, for example. Each of the relatively movable parts can include sound generating means (such as holes, orifices or indentations). The arrangement can be such that the different parts of the fairing generate different notes as the club or implement is swung or moved, depending on the relative positioning of the different parts. The correct combination of notes as the club or implement is swung or moved can indicate a correct progression of the club head angle, for example.
In one embodiment, sounds such as whistling can be produced indirectly during a swing motion or movement. As such, sound generation may not be a direct result of air movement over the club or implement, etc. As an example only, one or more sensors such as accelerometers can be mounted to or embedded in the fairing, shaft and/or the club head, which send information relating to swing speed and/or swing path, for example, to processing apparatus that can produce a sound.
According to one aspect, the present application is directed to apparatus comprising: a golf club or other implement having a grip region and a shaft and which is moved in use, the club or implement having one or more sensors for sensing a direction and/or speed of movement of the club or implement; and processing apparatus configured to receive a signal from the one or more sensors and produce a sound in accordance with the received signal.
In this aspect or any other aspect, the processing apparatus can produce sound in accordance with the information received during a swing motion or other movement of the club or implement. The sound may be produced during and/or after the swing motion or movement. The sensors can be located in or on a head and/or shaft of the club or implement, and/or in or on a fairing if provided. The processing apparatus can be partially or entirely integrated with the one or more sensors or can be partially or entirely separated from the one or more sensors. In one embodiment, the processing apparatus is located remotely from the club or implement and the sensors communicate wirelessly or via one or more wires with the processing apparatus. The processing apparatus can include an electronic device that has a speaker or audio socket and optionally a display. In one embodiment, the processing apparatus is a hand-held device such as a smartphone (e.g. an iPhone™, computer tablet (e.g. an iPad™) or similar device. In one embodiment, the processing apparatus stores information about the swing and displays information about the swing, e.g. a graph indicative of the swing path (a “Swing Path” graph) to the player or their trainer/coach. The sound generated can include whistling and/or other sounds such as spoken words, which may provide appropriate prompts to allow a player or their trainer/coach to correct a swing as necessary, information may be stored over a period of time to allow progress in relation to swing correction to be analysed.
The processing apparatus can include a number of processing modules. The processing apparatus can also include one or more storage elements, for storing data related to swing motion, for example. The modules and storage elements can be implemented using one or more processing devices and one or more data storage units that can form the processing apparatus, and which modules and/or storage devices may be at one location, e.g. mounted or embedded into the club or implement only, or distributed across multiple locations and interconnected by one or more communication links.
The processing modules can be implemented by a computer program or program code comprising program instructions. The computer program instructions can include source code, object code, machine code or any other stored data that is operable to cause the processor to perform the steps described. The computer program can be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages and can be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. The data storage device(s) may include suitable computer readable media such as volatile (e.g. RAM) and/or non-volatile (e.g. ROM, disk) memory or otherwise.
It will be appreciated that a player may be able to use a club or implement that is only used during practice, in the case of a golf club, for example, at a golf driving range. While the club or implement would incorporate one, some or all of the features disclosed herein, it would be appreciated that the club or implement would only likely be used in practice as it would likely be not compliant with the rule of the relevant sport, e.g. the Rules of Golf. Instead, this practice club or implement would be used to strengthen, guide and develop the swing of the user. In particular, a training club could be used with the guidance and assistance of a coach or Golf Professional to allow modification of the settings and adjustments made possible using one, some or all of the features described herein to improve the golfers swing, ball strike and enjoyment.
A golf club incorporating one, some or all of the features disclosed herein can also be modified to suit the progress being made by a player in developing their golf swing.
The shaft can have a region of greater cross-sectional width or diameter relative to the remainder of the shaft. The greater region can vary, for example taper, in size. For example, the shaft region can be frusto-conical. The greater region may uniformly increase in diameter over its length or non-uniformly increase in diameter over its length. In addition or instead, the region may comprise a series of stepped portions in which the diameter increases, for example frusto-conically, is then constant, reduces or steps outwardly to a greater diameter, and then again increases in diameter, for example, in the manner described herein. The diameter of said region can increase moving along the shaft away from the grip region. Alternatively, the diameter of said region can decrease moving along the shaft away from the grip region. The increase in diameter towards the grip region of said greater region can be at a rate that substantially matches or deliberately mismatches the change in shaft speed that occurs during a swing of the club or implement, it being understood that the velocity of the shaft closer to the grip region is lower than that closer to the head during a swing.
Said region of greater cross-sectional width or diameter can be in the half of the shaft that is closer to the grip region, in the half of the shaft closer to the club head, or at least partially span the half way mark between the grip region and the head.
The diameter of the shaft of the club or implement can be such that the shaft during its swing reaches separation velocity before striking the ball. At separation velocity, i.e. the velocity at which the airflow separates from the shaft, drag is at least partially reduced.
According to another aspect, the present application is directed to a golf club or implement comprising: a grip region; a head; and a shaft connecting the grip region to the head; wherein the shaft has a region of greater cross-sectional width or diameter relative to the remainder of the shaft.
In this aspect, the greater region can vary, for example taper, in size. For example, the greater region can be frusto-conical. The greater region may uniformly increase in diameter over its length or non-uniformly increase in diameter over its length. The region may comprise a series of stepped portions in which the diameter increases, for example frusto-conically, is then constant, reduces or steps outwardly to a greater diameter, and then again increases in diameter in the manner described herein. The diameter of said region can increase moving along the shaft away from the grip region. The diameter of said region can decrease moving along the shaft away from the grip region. The increase in diameter towards the grip region of said greater region can be at a rate that substantially matches or deliberately mismatches the change in shaft speed that occurs during a swing of the golfer, it being understood that the velocity of the shaft closer to the grip region is lower than that closer to the head during a swing.
Said greater region can be in the half of the shaft closer to the grip region, in the half of the shaft closer to the club head, or at least partially span the half way mark between the grip region and the head.
The golf club or implement of this aspect can further incorporate one, some or all of the other features described herein.
In yet another embodiment of all of the aspects defined herein, a portion, a majority or all of the shaft can be substantially circular or circular in cross-section. In another embodiment, a portion, a majority or all of the shaft can be substantially non-circular in cross-section. In one form, a portion, a majority or all of the shaft may be in the form of an aerofoil and be wing or blade-shaped in cross section. In another embodiment, a portion, a majority or all of the shaft may be substantially oval or oval, substantially elliptical or elliptical or tear-drop-shaped in cross section.
In another embodiment, the shaft can have a leading edge, a trailing edge, and a first face and an opposed second face extending between the leading edge and the trailing edge. A portion or all of the first and/or second faces of the shaft can be curved. Where curved, the curvature of the first and second faces can be both convex.
In another embodiment, the curvature of the first face of the shaft (where curved) can be convex. In this case, the second face of the shaft can be flat, concave or convex. When the curvature of the second face of the shaft is convex, the first face can be flat, concave or convex. Where the first face is convex and the second face is concave (or vice versa), the distances between the first and second faces of the shaft can remain constant for some, the majority or all of the width of the shaft. In another embodiment, the distance between the first convex face and second concave face (or vice versa) can decrease toward one or both of the leading edge and trailing edge of the shaft.
Some or all of the curvature of the first face (if curved) and/or the second face (if curved) of the shaft can be substantially circular or circular, substantially elliptical or elliptical, substantially parabolic or parabolic or substantially hyperbolic or hyperbolic. In one embodiment, the curvature can be substantially non-circular in cross-section.
Other suitable cross-sectional shapes for the shaft can be envisaged. Irrespective of its cross-section, the shaft can be equal in flexibility in all planes. Particularly, in any plane perpendicular to the elongation direction (the length) of the shaft between the grip region and the head, the shaft can have substantially equal flexibility in all directions along that plane. This can be achieved by use of different combinations of materials and/or materials with varying properties in forming the shaft.
In general, references herein to a “leading edge” of the shaft refer to the edge of the shaft that is leading when the shaft is moved at its greatest speed and/or for its main intended purpose, e.g. striking a ball. For example, in relation to a golf club, the leading edge of the shaft will generally follow a line down the length of the shaft that is leading in the direction of motion of the shaft immediately prior to striking of the golf ball. Following from this, references herein to a “trailing edge” of the shaft refer to the edge of the shaft that is trailing when the shaft is moved at its greatest speed and/or for its main purpose, e.g. striking a ball. For example, in relation to a golf club, the trailing edge of the shaft will generally follow a line down the length of the shaft that is trailing in the direction of motion of the shaft immediately prior to striking of the golf ball. In accordance with this, references herein to the “leading face” and “trailing face” of the shaft refer to substantially opposing outer faces of the shaft that are approximately centred around the leading edge and trailing edge respectively. The leading face comprises leading portions of the first and second faces and the trailing face comprises trailing portions of the first and second faces. When the shaft has a circular cross-sectional shape in a plane perpendicular to the length of the shaft, the leading and trailing faces may each extend around respective approximately 180 degree portions of the shaft, for example.
According to another aspect, the present application is directed to a golf club or implement comprising: a grip region; a head; and a shaft connecting the grip region to the head; wherein a portion, a majority or all of the shaft has a non-circular cross-sectional area.
In this aspect, the shaft can have an aerofoil form. The shaft can be substantially wing-shaped or blade-shaped in cross section.
In another embodiment of this aspect, a portion, a majority or all of the shaft may be substantially oval or oval, substantially elliptical or elliptical or tear-drop-shaped in cross section.
In another embodiment of this aspect, the shaft can have a leading edge, a trailing edge, and a first face and an opposed second face extending between the leading edge and the trailing edge. A portion or all of the first and/or second faces of the shaft can be curved. Where curved, the curvature of the first and second faces can be both convex.
In another embodiment of this aspect, the curvature of the first face of the shaft (where curved) can be convex. In this case, the second face of the shaft can be flat, concave or convex. When the curvature of the second face of the shaft is convex, the first face can be flat, concave or convex. Where the first face is convex and the second face is concave, the distances between the first and second faces of the shaft can remain constant for some, the majority or all of the width of the shaft. In another embodiment, the distance between the first convex face and the second concave face can decrease toward one or both of the leading edge and trailing edge of the shaft.
Some or all of the curvature of the first face (if curved) and/or the second face (if curved) of the shaft can be substantially circular or circular, substantially elliptical or elliptical, substantially parabolic or parabolic or substantially hyperbolic or hyperbolic. In one embodiment, the curvature can be substantially non-circular in cross-section.
Irrespective of its cross-section, the shaft can be equal in flexibility in all planes. Particularly, in any plane perpendicular to the elongation direction (the length) of the shaft between the grip region and the head, the shaft can have substantially equal flexibility in all directions along that plane. This can be achieved by use of different combinations of materials and/or materials with varying properties in forming the shaft.
The golf club or implement of this aspect can further incorporate one, some or all of the other features described herein.
In yet another embodiment of the aspects defined herein, at least a portion, the majority or all of the shaft and/or the head and/or the fairing can have a surface treatment that modifies the airflow over the region of surface treatment. The surface treatment can comprise a dimpling formed in the surface of said portion of said shaft, head or fairing. A portion of the shaft extending back from the head towards the grip region can have the surface treatment. Instead or in addition, the surface treatment can be provided on at least some or all of the leading face of the shaft. In yet a further embodiment, the surface treatment, such as the dimpling, can be the same over said portion or can vary over said portion. In yet another embodiment, more than one type of surface treatment, with one example being dimpling, can be provided, and different types of surface treatment can be present at different locations on the shaft, head or fairing. The dimpling can comprise a plurality of dimples formed in said portion or all of the shaft, head or fairing. Some or all of the plurality of dimples can be provided in an array on said portion. Alternatively, some or all of the plurality of dimples can be provided randomly on said portion. Each of the dimples can be identical or at least some of the dimples can be different to some of the other dimples. Each dimple can have a depth and diameter. All of the dimples can have the same depth and/or diameter or at least some or all of the dimples can have a different depth and/or diameter to at least one of the other dimples. The dimples can have a circular on non-circular perimeter. The diameter of the dimples can range from between about 0.5 mm and 10 mm, more preferably between about 1 mm and 7 mm. The maximum depth of the dimples can vary between about 0.1 mm and 10 mm, more preferably between about 1 mm and 4 mm.
According to another aspect, the present application is directed to a golf club or implement comprising: a grip region; a head; and a shaft connecting the grip region to the head; wherein at least a portion of the shaft has a surface treatment that modifies the airflow over at least that part of the shaft.
In this aspect, the surface treatment can comprise a dimpling formed in the surface of said portion of said shaft. A portion of the shaft extending back from the head towards the grip region can have the surface treatment. Instead or in addition, the surface treatment can be provided on at least some or all of the leading face of the shaft. In yet a further embodiment, the surface treatment, such as the dimpling, can be the same over said portion or can vary over said portion. In yet another embodiment, more than one type of surface treatment, with one example being dimpling, can be provided, and different types of surface treatment can be present at different locations on the shaft. The dimpling can comprise a plurality of dimples formed in said portion or all of the shaft. Some or all of the plurality of dimples can be provided in an array on said portion. Alternatively, some or all of the plurality of dimples can be provided randomly on said portion. Each of the dimples can be identical or at least some of the dimples can be different to some of the other dimples. Each dimple can have a depth and diameter. All of the dimples can have the same depth and/or diameter or at least some or all of the dimples can have a different depth and/or diameter to at least one of the other dimples. The dimples can have a circular or non-circular perimeter. The diameter of the dimples can range from between about 0.5 mm and 10 mm, more preferably between about 1 mm and 7 mm. The maximum depth of the dimples can vary between about 0.1 mm and 10 mm, more preferably between about 1 mm and 4 mm.
According to another aspect, the present application is directed to a golf club or implement comprising: a grip region; a head; and a shaft connecting the grip region to the head; wherein a portion of the shaft has a plurality of dimples that modifies the airflow over at least that portion of the shaft.
In any of the aspects described herein, an embodiment of the club or implement having surface treatment can have the surface treatment provided on some or all of the leading face of the shaft and no surface treatment provided on some or all of the trailing face of the shaft. For example, the surface treatment can extend up to between about 80 and 150 degrees or between about 100 and 140 degrees on either side of the leading edge of the shaft, e.g. such that the surface treatment extends across the entire leading face and across a portion only of the trailing face of the shaft. For example, the surface treatment can extend around about 120 degrees only either side of the leading edge of the shaft.
In one embodiment, the portion of the shaft that has the surface treatment extends along the shaft away from the head for a length less than half of the length of the shaft. In another embodiment, the portion of the shaft that has the plurality of dimples extends along the shaft away from the head for a length less than a third of the length of the shaft.
In one embodiment, a progressively greater degree of surface treatment is provided on the shaft towards the head of the club or implement. In one embodiment, the density of the dimpling on the shaft increases towards the head of the club or implement, and/or progressively larger dimples, or a greater number of larger dimples, are provided on the shaft towards the head of the club or implement. By increasing the density or size of the dimples on the shaft towards the head of the club or implement, dimpling can be used to control the flexibility of the club, particularly such as to increase the flexibility and therefore club or implement speed towards the head of the club or implement. Dimpling can be used in addition to, or as a replacement for, tapering of the shaft towards the head of the club or implement in order to increase flexibility, and therefore speed.
The surface treatment can be such that the shaft, in any plane perpendicular to the elongation direction (the length) of the shaft between the grip region and the head, the shaft can have substantially equal flexibility in all directions along that plane. While providing surface treatment irregularly around the surface of the shaft may substantially affect uniform flexibility in some embodiments, the effect may be insubstantial in other embodiments. For example, even where a shaft of homogenous material having a circular cross-section is provided with surface treatment at some or all of a leading face but not at some or all of a trailing face, the shaft may substantially maintain the equal flexibility in all directions, e.g. to an extent required by rules and regulations of a sport, such as golf. Nonetheless, in alternative embodiments, to maintain the equal flexibility, flexible properties of the shaft may be modified on one edge or face of the shaft e.g. a trailing face of the shaft, to counterbalance modified flexible properties on another edge or face of the shaft, e.g. a leading face of the shaft. For example, a radius of the shaft may decrease, or the shaft may gradually reduce in material density, towards the trailing edge of the shaft. In one embodiment, one or more material properties of the portion of the shaft that has the plurality of dimples is different to one or more material properties of a portion of the shaft that does not have a plurality of dimples or that has a lower number of dimples, such that, in any plane perpendicular to the elongation direction of the shaft between the grip region and the head, the shaft has substantially equal flexibility in all directions along that plane. In another embodiment, a radius of the portion of the of the shaft that has the plurality of dimples, is different to a radius of a portion of the shaft that has no dimples or a lower number of dimples, such that, in any plane perpendicular to the elongation direction of the shaft between the grip region and the head, the shaft has substantially equal flexibility in all directions along that plane.
Dimples can be provided by indentations in the outer surface of the shaft that in one embodiment define no sharp corner or ledges with the outer surface of the shaft. By maintaining a smooth profile on the surface of the shaft, there may be fewer stress points on the shaft, reducing the likelihood of damage or breakage to the club or implement.
In another aspect, a golf club or implement is provided that includes a grip region; a head; and a shaft connecting the grip region to the head, the shaft having a direction of elongation between the grip region and the head; wherein the outer surface of the shaft is substantially circular in cross-section perpendicular to the direction of elongation; and wherein a portion of the outer surface of the shaft having the circular cross-section has dimpling that modifies the airflow over at least that portion of the shaft.
The golf club or implement of the aspects that describe surface treatment can further incorporate one, some or all of the other features described herein. Where the club or implement includes a fairing, at least a portion, the majority or all of said fairing can also have said surface treatment as defined herein. At least a portion, the majority or all of the head of the club or implement can also have said surface treatment as defined herein.
In each of the aspects defined herein, the characteristics of the club or implement can be optimised to match the characteristics of a player's swing determined by appropriate analysis. In this regard, different clubs or implements may have a different indicia, for example a colour coding, that identifies the type of player or player swing to which a particular club or implement combination is suited. Characteristics of the club or implement can relate to the clubs aerodynamic properties and flexibility, for example, which may be tuned to match swing speed characteristics of a player.
The displayed indicia may therefore represent swing speed in some embodiments. For example, a swing speed in miles per hour (m.p.h.) or kilometres per hour (k.p.h.) may be displayed on the club or implement, which is indicative of a swing speed of a player that would be optimal for their use of that club or implement. For example, golf clubs according to the present disclosure may include, respectively, the indicia “90 m.p.h.” or “100 m.p.h.” or “110 m.p.h.”, or “90-95 m.p.h.”, “100-105 m.p.h.” or “110-115 m.p.h.”, etc., and a player may select the golf club displaying the speed indicia that matches their natural swing speed. The swing speed displayed may be defined with respect to the speed of the head of the golf club during a swing motion or otherwise.
In embodiments of golf clubs according to the present disclosure, different optimal swing speeds between different clubs can be achieved by modifying the shape and/or material properties of the shaft, head and/or hosel that joins the head to the shaft and/or by applying surface treatment to the shaft, head and/or hosel. In some embodiments, the shaft, head and/or hosel may be modified directly, and/or a fairing may be attached to one or more of these components to achieve the modification.
Depending on the physical properties of the shaft, head and/or hosel, airflow over the club during a swing motion can produce harmonic oscillations that are relatively unstable or stable at different swing speeds (and therefore wind speeds). By modifying properties of one or more of these components of the club, e.g., by introducing one or more different aerodynamic features to these components, a club can have aerodynamic stability at a different swing speeds.
In some circumstances, to alter the optimal swing speeds of clubs, modification of the hosel may be preferable over modification of the shaft and/or head due to different rules and regulations that can exist in relation to characteristics of these components, for example. In one embodiment, the hosel has a small fairing or ovoid or tear-drop shaping which is modified to alter the optimal swing speed characteristics of the club.
In one aspect, the present application provides a golf club comprising: a grip region; a head; a hosel extending from the head; a shaft connected between the grip region and the hosel; and indicia indicative of a speed at which a swing motion of the golf club is aerodynamically stable.
In one embodiment. a fairing can be attached to the hosel. In another embodiment, the hosel has a non-circular cross-sectional shape along a plane perpendicular to a direction of elongation of the hosel between the shaft and the head.
While, in any one or more of the aspects described herein, the club may be marked with its optimal swing speed, additionally or alternatively, non-lettered or non-numbered indicia may added, such as colour bars, to convey this information.
The indicia may be located anywhere on the club, such as the bottom (ground-facing) surface of the head, or at positions that are more easily observable such as a top surface of the head, a side surface of the shaft, or otherwise.
In one aspect, the present application provides a golf club comprising: a grip region; a head; a hosel extending from the head; and a shaft connected between the grip region and the hosel; wherein, in a plane perpendicular to a direction of extension of the hosel between the head and the shaft, the hosel has a non-circular cross-sectional shape.
In another aspect, the present application provides a golf club comprising: a grip region; a head; a hosel extending from the head; and a shaft connected between the grip region and the hosel; wherein at least a portion of the hosel has a surface treatment that modifies the airflow over at least that portion of the hosel during a swing motion of the club.
In another aspect, the present application provides a golf club comprising: a grip region; a head; a hosel extending from the head; a shaft connected between the grip region and the hosel; and a fairing attached the hosel.
In the preceding three aspects, the non-circular cross-sectional shape, the surface treatment, and the fairing, can each provide a reduction of the drag on the hosel during a swing motion of the club. While the application of such drag reducing features is also described above in connection with a shaft, for example, it is considered that the various configurations of these features described in relation to the shaft can also be utilised when applied to the hosel. As an example, the surface treatment on the hosel may include a plurality of dimples, and the dimples may be non-circular or circular, and may be distributed in a uniform array or substantially randomly, etc. As another example, the hosel and/or the fairing can have a first face and a second face with one or both of these faces being curved; the curvature of the first and second faces can be both convex and terminate in a distal edge, or the hosel or fairing can be truncated; or the curvature of the first face can be convex and the second face can be flat, concave or convex, etc. As yet another example, the fairing may be connected to the hosel by a swivel mechanism, etc.
While the modified features of the hosel can be used to increase drag reduction, additionally or alternatively they can be used to change the combined aerodynamic effect of the shaft, head and hosel, so that the club does not suffer harmonic vibrations at a particular wind speed or band of wind speeds, for example. In some embodiments, the modifications to the hosel may complement the application of a fairing to the shaft, for example. It has been observed that, in a wind tunnel, a club without a fairing is relatively stable at certain wind speeds and produces a shudder effect at other wind speeds. The stable state and the shuddering state occur in different wind speed bands as wind speed increases. In particular, it has been observed that, as wind speed is progressively increased, the club is stable, then shudders, then is stable again, then shudders again, and so on. When a fairing is applied to the shaft of the same golf club, the same effect is noticeable but at different wind speed bands. It is therefore recognised that, through minor modification of the hosel, a club, such as a club including a fairing or otherwise, can be “tuned” to a particular wind speed, or swing speed. In some embodiments, whether or not the modification of the hosel reduces drag, it may be used to improve aerodynamic stability of the club at particular wind/swing speeds.
In a further embodiment of all of the aspects defined herein, the head can be formed such that the upper surface of the head provides an airflow path that is shorter than the lower surface of the head. In one embodiment, the head can have a lateral cross-section that is substantially like an inverted aircraft wing. The shape of the head when moved through air can thereby create a positive air pressure on the upper surface of the head and a lower pressure on the underside of the head. In this arrangement, and in the case of a golf club, as the head approaches the ground during a swing of the club and immediately prior to contact with the ball, the club head is drawn towards the ground, thereby stabilising the club immediately prior to and during the contact stage of the swing. It will be appreciated that other means to reduce the ground effect of the club could be employed. Such means may include providing furrows, holes or orifices or using other surface treatments in the surface of the head to alter the air flow characteristics of the head during the swing stroke.
According to another aspect, the present application is directed to a golf club or implement comprising: a grip region; a head having an upper surface and a lower surface; and a shaft connecting the grip region to the head; wherein the upper surface of the head provides at least one airflow path that is relatively shorter than at least one airflow path over the lower surface of the head.
In this aspect, the head can have a lateral cross-section that resembles an inverted aircraft wing, thereby creating a positive air pressure on the upper surface of the head and a lower pressure on the underside of the club head during swinging of the head. In this arrangement, and in the case of a golf club, as the head approaches the ground during a swing of the club and immediately prior to contact with the ball, the club head is drawn towards the ground, thereby stabilising the club immediately prior to and during the contact stage of the swing. It will be appreciated that other means to reduce the ground effect of the club could be employed. Such means may include providing furrows, holes or orifices or using other surface treatments in the surface of the head to alter the air flow characteristics of the head during the swing stroke.
The golf club of this aspect can further incorporate one, some or all of the other features described herein.
In a further embodiment of the aspects defined herein, a relatively heavy material, such as a relatively heavy metal can be used within or mountable on the club head. In one embodiment, the relatively heavy material can be palladium. The presence of this relatively heavy material can serve to increase the momentum of any given club head during its swing. This relatively heavy material may also be positioned eccentrically to counter some natural defect in the individual's swing or ball strike. In one embodiment, a golfer can use a practice club which provides for adjustable positioning of the relatively heavy material so allowing a determination of the final desired position for the material in a game club.
According to another aspect, the present application is directed to a golf club or implement comprising: a grip region; a head having an upper surface and a lower surface; and a shaft connecting the grip region to the head; wherein the club head has mounted thereon or incorporates a quantity of a relatively heavy material.
In one embodiment, the relatively heavy material has a mass greater than material making up the remainder of the head. The relatively heavy material can be a metal. The metal can be palladium. The relatively heavy metal may also be positioned eccentrically within the head to counter some natural defect in the individual's swing or ball strike. In one embodiment, a golfer can use a practice club which provides for adjustable positioning of the relatively heavy material so allowing a determination of the final desired position for the material in a game club.
The golf club of this aspect can further incorporate one, some or all of the other features described herein.
In a still further embodiment of the aspects defined herein, some, the majority or all of the grip region of the club or implement is formed, at least in part, from a fluid that undergoes a relatively rapid increase in viscosity with applied strain rate, i.e. is non-Newtonian in form. As such, the grip region can be moulded to the palms and fingers of the golfer by use of a relatively slow gripping action but then maintain that moulded shape during the relatively fast swing and strike phases of use of the club or implement. The non-Newtonian fluid can be a liquid or gel and be contained within one or more outer layers.
According to another aspect, the present application is directed to a golf club or implement comprising: a grip region; a head having an upper surface and a lower surface; and a shaft connecting the grip region to the head; wherein some, the majority or all of the grip region of the club is formed, at least in part, from a fluid that undergoes a relatively rapid increase in viscosity with applied strain rate.
In this aspect, the grip region can comprise a material that is known as non-Newtonian. As such, the grip region can be moulded to the palms and fingers of the golfer by use of a relatively slow gripping action but then maintain that moulded shape during the relatively fast swing and strike phases of use of the club or implement. The non-Newtonian fluid can be a liquid or gel and be contained within one or more outer layers.
The golf club of this aspect can further incorporate one, some or all of the other features described herein.
Whilst the above embodiments have been described in particular application to a golf club or implement, it will be appreciated that they could equally be applied to a variety of sporting and non-sporting endeavors whereby an implement having a shaft is swung or moved by a user at speed. In this regard, the implement can be a paddle or oar used in canoes, kayaks, and rowing boats, such as single and double sculls, to reduce turbulence associated therewith. The implement could also be a baseball bat, a cricket bat, a tennis racquet, a table tennis bat, and other such sporting equipment including clothing, where control and speed of the equipment is fundamental in optimising sporting performance. The implement can also comprise a tool, such as a hammer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS/FIGURES

By way of example only, embodiments are now described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1 a, 1 b and 1 c are side, top and front views of a prior art golf club;

FIG. 2 depicts the air flow characteristics of a cylinder, such as a traditional shaft of a golf club;

FIG. 3 depicts one embodiment of a fairing shown attached to a golf club;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the fairing attached to the shaft of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 depicts the air flow characteristics of the shaft and fairing combination of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club head and shaft portion in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 7 depicts another embodiment of a golf club with a fairing non-removably mounted thereto;

FIG. 8 depicts an embodiment of a golf club having a shaft that increases in diameter away from the grip region towards the head;

FIG. 9 depicts an embodiment of a golf club having a shaft that increases in diameter towards the grip region away from the head;

FIGS. 10 a and 10 b depict plan and side elevational views of a kayak paddle;

FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of a baseball bat;

FIGS. 12 a to 12 e depict cross-sectional views of different embodiments of fairings (or shafts);

FIG. 13 a depicts an embodiment of a golf club head and hosel, the club head including swing speed indicia, and FIG. 13 b is a cross-sectional view of the hosel along line B-B in FIG. 13 a;

FIG. 13 c depicts another embodiment of a golf club head and hosel, the club head including swing speed indicia, and FIG. 13 d is cross-sectional view of the hosel along line D-D in FIG. 13 c;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a golf club, the golf club having a rotatable fairing;

FIGS. 15 a and 15 b depict an embodiment of a golf club having a fairing with removable parts;

FIGS. 16 a and 16 b depict an embodiment of a golf club having a fairing with relatively movable parts;

FIG. 17 depicts an embodiment of a golf club having sensors that communicate with an electronic device that generates sound;

FIG. 18 is a schematic drawing of electronic components that can be used in the embodiment of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a golf club, the golf club including dimpling;

FIGS. 20 a and 20 b depict embodiments of a golf club having different configurations of dimpling on a shaft of the club;

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a golf club, the golf club including dimpling; and

FIG. 22 is a side profile view of a dimple employed in an embodiment of a golf club.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 a-1 c, various views of one type of prior art golf club 10 are shown. In the depicted drawings and description, the club 10 will be described in terms of a wood, such as a driving wood. It is, however, to be appreciated that this description is equally applicable to all types of golf clubs and also other implements that are moved through air during typical use.
As is shown in FIG. 1 a, the club 10 generally consists of three parts: the shaft 12, the grip region 14 and the head 16. A hosel joins the head 16 to the shaft 12.
The grip region 14 is located at the end of the shaft 12 that is distal the club head 16 and is typically covered with either a rubber or synthetic leather for the golfer to hold and grip region the club 10. The shaft 12 is typically a tube made of metal (e.g. steel) or graphite fibre, or a combination thereof, which is roughly 10-12 mm in diameter near the grip region 14 and between 89-115 cm in length. The flex of the shaft 12, namely the amount in which the shaft will bend when placed under load, can vary between different clubs and is typically dependent upon the preference of the individual golfer as to the desired degree of flex they desire. Generally, golfers with faster swing speeds use stiffer shafts than those with slower swing speeds. Generally, the shaft 12 transfers motion to the club head 16 and this is considered fundamental in generating club head speed.
The head 16 is located at the end of the shaft 12 and transfers the energy of the swing to the golf ball. The head 16 comprises a generally flat face 15 for contacting the ball during the swing, and it is the slope of the face 15 away from the vertical which typically dictates the amount of loft that is given to the trajectory of the ball following contact.
The design and proportions of the various parts of the golf club 10 are controlled by the rules of golf and players should use clubs in accordance with the rules if they wish their scores to count in competition, professional or otherwise.
In practice, the club is held by the golfer using both hands at the grip region 14 and swing in a downward arc such that the face 15 of the head 16 is brought into contact with a golf ball to send the ball on its trajectory. In this regard, whilst the head 16 of the club 10 generates the most speed during the swing and transfers the energy of the swing to the ball, the shaft 12, particularly the region of the shaft 12 proximal the head 16, also moves at a relatively high speed through the air.
In embodiments of the present disclosure, characteristics of the club can be optimised to match the characteristics of a player's swing as determined by appropriate analysis. Following from this, in some embodiments, clubs can have different indicia that identify the type of player or player swing to which a particular club is suited. As shown in FIG. 13 a, for example, in one embodiment displayed indicia 161 a on the club head 16 can represent a swing speed in miles per hour (m.p.h.), such as 90 m.p.h., which is indicative of a swing speed of a player that would be optimal for use of that club. In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13 c, indicia 161 b indicating a different optimal swing speed, such as 100 m.p.h., is displayed. While the indicia 161 a, 161 b are provided on a bottom, ground-facing, surface of the club head 16 in these embodiments, additionally or alternatively, the indicia can be located elsewhere on the club such as on a top surface of the club head 16, or a side of the shaft 12 or elsewhere.
Different optimal swing speeds of the club 10 can be achieved by modifying the shape and/or material properties of the club head 16, shaft 12 and/or the hosel that joins the head 16 to the shaft 12. For example, aerodynamic properties of the hosel can be adjusted, by changing the hosel shape, in order to change the optimal swing speed of the club. With reference to FIG. 13 b, the cross-sectional shape of the hosel 162 a depicted in FIG. 13 a, as seen along the line B-B in FIG. 13 a, is tear-dropped in shape, with substantial elongation at what can be considered a trailing face of the hosel 162 a. With reference to FIG. 13 d, the cross-sectional shape of the hosel 162 b depicted in FIG. 13 c, as seen along line D-D in FIG. 13 c, is also tear-dropped, but with greater elongation at the trailing face of the hosel 162 b, such that the hosel 162 b depicted in FIGS. 13 c and 13 d has different aerodynamic properties from the hosel 162 a depicted in FIGS. 13 a and 13 b. In some embodiments, in addition to or as an alternative to modification of the shape of the hosel, a small fairing may be attached to the hosel, and/or surface treatment may be applied to the hosel, in order to modify the aerodynamic properties of the hosel. Approaches to modifying aerodynamic properties of a golf club shaft, e.g., by attaching a fairing or applying surface treatment to the shaft, is described in more detail below. This teaching is also generally applicable, mutatis mutandis, to a hosel.
As a standard golf club shaft 12 is tubular, it has inherently relatively poor aerodynamic properties, as can be seen in FIG. 2. As the shaft 12 moves through the air during the swing stroke, in the direction of arrow A, the air smoothly flows over the leading surface of the shaft 12, closely hugging the surface. As the air flows past the first half of the shaft surface it breaks free of the surface creating a plurality of tiny vortex flows, called vortices. This region of separated or turbulent flow is a form of pressure drag, namely the formation of low and high pressure pockets leave a wake behind the shaft 12 during the stroke. This drag is a force that opposes forward motion of the shaft 12 thereby reducing club head speed and stability of the club 10 during the swing stroke. All of this serves to potentially compromise controlled trajectory of the ball following impact.
In FIGS. 3 and 4, one embodiment of a fairing is labelled 20 and is depicted attached to what can be considered the trailing face of the shaft 12 of a golf club. Here the trailing face is the face of the shaft that is opposed to the travel of the swing of the club as it brought into contact with the ball. The depicted fairing 20 acts a drug reduction means and serves to reduce drag and to improve stability of the club 10 and increase club head 16 speed during at least the downward stroke or swing of the club 10. The depicted fairing 20 has a relatively aerodynamic configuration. The embodiment depicted in FIG. 4 has a non-circular cross-section and has two opposed curved faces 23, 24 that join at an edge 25 distal the shaft 12. The fairing 20 can serve to reduce turbulence and increase laminar flow in the region of the shaft 12.
The fairing can have other possible shapes. For example, the fairing can have a curved body. The body can have a curvature relative to a lateral place and/or a curvature relative to a longitudinal plane.
Examples of different possible cross-sectional shapes for the fairing in a lateral plane are provided by FIGS. 12 a to 12 e. In each of these embodiments, the fairing can also have a first face (here 23A) and a second face (24A, 24B or 24C). As depicted, one or both of these faces being curved. For example and as depicted in FIG. 12 a, the curvature of the first and second faces (23A, 24A) can be both convex. While the two faces 23A, 24A join at distal edge 25, the edge could instead be truncated (as depicted by line 25A).
While the curvature of the first face 23A can be convex, the second face can be flat (see face 24B in FIG. 12 b) or concave (see face 24C in FIGS. 12 c, 12 d and 12 e).
When the second face 24C is concave, it will be appreciated that the first face can be flat, concave or convex.
In FIG. 12 c, the distance between the first and second faces (23A, 24C) remains constant. In FIGS. 12 d and 12 e, the distance between the first convex face 23A and second concave face 24C decreases toward the distal edge 25.
Some or all of the curvature of the curved body, the first face (if curved) and/or the second face (if curved) can be substantially circular or circular, substantially elliptical or elliptical, substantially parabolic or parabolic or substantially hyperbolic or hyperbolic.
In one embodiment, the curvature can be substantially non-circular in cross-section. In one form, the body of the fairing may be in the form of an aerofoil and be wing or blade-shaped in cross section. In another embodiment, the body may be substantially oval or oval, substantially elliptical or elliptical or tear-drop-shaped in cross section. Other suitable cross-sectional shapes can be used.
Still further, the cross-sectional shape of the fairing may vary over the height of the fairing. For example, the cross-sectional shape in say the upper half of the fairing may be different to that in the lower half of the fairing.
In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3, the fairing 20 is attached to the shaft 12 adjacent the head 16 such that it extends along the shaft for a length less than half, more preferably less than a third of the length of the shaft 12. In one embodiment, the fairing can extend along the shaft 12 from the head 16 for a length of between about 5 cm and 60 cm, for example between about 10 cm and 50 cm or between about 10 cm and 30 cm, or about 20 cm, along the trailing edge thereof. Other dimensions, and as given herein, can be used.
As shown in FIG. 4, the fairing 20 can have a maximum thickness that is substantially the same as, or slightly less than, the diameter of the shaft 12 and be shaped such that it substantially conforms to the trailing face of the shaft 12. For example, if the shaft has a diameter of about 15 mm, the maximum thickness can be about or less than 15 mm. As depicted in FIG. 3, the fairing 20 can also be spaced from the shaft 12. In the depicted embodiment, the spacing can be anywhere between 5 mm and 30 mm, for example about 20 mm at its lowest point adjacent the head 16.
As depicted, the width of the fairing 20 can be such that the lower end of the fairing 20 extends backwardly from the shaft 12 a distance greater than the width of the head 16 of the club 10. It will be appreciated that the lower end could extend backwardly for a distance that is the same than or less than the width of the head 16.
The fairing 20 may be made from a lightweight material such as carbon fibre, plastic or wood, or combinations thereof.
The fairing 20 can be secured to the shaft 12 in a manner which does not significantly alter the stiffness of the shaft 12, thereby ensuring that the club meets the regulatory requirements set by the appropriate governing bodies. In this regard, the depicted fairing 20 is attached to the shaft at intervals along its length by a series of circumferential members 22 which extend about, and are affixed to, the circumference of the shaft 12. The fairing 20 is attached to each of the members 22 in a manner which ensures the fairing 20 does not substantially resist the bending action of the shaft 12 during the swinging motion. In this regard, the fairing 20 may be attached to the members 22 by way of a slide member to facilitate such movement of the fairing 20 between the members 22. To further ensure that the fairing 20 is able to bend with the shaft 12, the fairing 20 may also be filleted. While the members 22 are circumferential, non-circumferential members could be used.
The orientation of the fairing 20 to the club shaft 12 and head 16 may be adjustable to suit the swing motion of each individual golfer. In this regard, during a normal swinging motion, the angle of incidence of the fairing to the direction of motion may vary, becoming optimally aligned as the club rotates at the lower end of the swing prior to striking the ball. The fairing 20 may be attached by means of a swivel to continually provide optimal drag relief throughout the swing motion.
In one embodiment, the fairing can be moveable between first and second stop positions during the swing motion. The fairing can be freely rotatable about the direction of elongation of the shaft between the first and second positions only, for example. When the fairing reaches the first or second position, drag on the club may increase since the fairing may no longer be optimally aligned with the swing direction. This may be such that the fairing resists further movement of the shaft 12 in an undesirable direction, and tends to force the shaft 12 to move in a more desirable direction. Accordingly, when the fairing reaches the first or second position, the fairing may act to correct swing motion, e.g. to correct over or under rotation of the club, etc. The first and/or second stop positions can be defined by stop elements. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, the fairing 20 is relatively rotatable between first and second positions 201, 202, about the direction of elongation of the shaft 12 between at least two spaced apart stop elements 121, 122 that are mounted on the shaft 12 and spaced around the shaft at a separation of about 20 or 30 degrees. While the locations of the stop elements 121, 122 are fixed in this embodiment, they can be adjustable in other embodiments such that the range of free rotation of the fairing 20 can be adapted as desired.
In another embodiment, the fairing 20 may be fixedly orientated in relation to the shaft 12 to satisfy the rules of golf that prevent modification of a club 10 during the course of a game of golf. In a still further embodiment, and as depicted in FIG. 7, the fairing 20 can be non-movably attachable to the club or even comprise an integral part of the shaft 12.
The manner in which the fairing 20 is attached to the shaft 12 can vary. In one embodiment the fairing 20 may be fixed to the shaft by way of an adhesive or the like such that the fairing 20 forms part of the shaft 12 and is contoured to the diameter of the shaft 12 such that the surface of the shaft 12 and fairing 20 is substantially or wholly continuous.
In another embodiment, the fairing can be partly removable. Parts of the fairing can be removable such as to reduce the degree to which the fairing projects from the shaft and/or to reduce the degree to which the fairing extends along a length of the shaft. As shown in FIGS. 15 a and 15 b, for example, a fairing 70 can include multiple independently removable parts 71 a-71 f along a length of the shaft 12. The parts 71 a-71 f can be separated from the remainder of the fairing 70 via frangible elements or otherwise. By removing a part 71 a-71 f, such as the part 71 b shown in FIG. 15 b, the drag relief provided by the fairing 70 during a swing motion can be varied as a player develops greater muscle strength.
As is shown in FIG. 5, the fairing 20 can serve to relatively increase laminar flow (flow in layers) over the shaft 12 such that the airflow stays relatively more attached to the surface of the fairing 20, thereby significantly reducing the creation of vortices. This is in stark contrast to the arrangement as discussed above in relation to FIG. 2.
The above described arrangement is particularly applicable for use in practice and training exercises. In this regard, the fairing 20 can, at least in one arrangement, be readily attachable to the end portion of a shaft 12 of any golf club and its angle orientated to suit the swing of the individual golfer. The fairing 20 may also have one or more holes or orifices or other whistling means provided therein which generate a sound as air passes therethrough or thereover. The sound, typically in the form of a whistle, provides feedback to the user regarding the motion of the club 10 during the stroke. This can be used by the individual or their club professional to optimally adjust the fairing 20 angle with respect to the shaft to suit the needs of the individual and/or inform the user of their club professional what they need to change about their swing to improve. In this regard, the holes may be formed through the fairing 20 at angles which generate different notes indicative of the motion of the club during the stroke, with different notes indicating different angles of malrotation. Upon optimising the position of the fairing 20 in accordance with this system, a permanent fairing 20 (for example, as depicted in FIG. 7) can be attached to the shaft of the individual's clubs in accordance to the optimal orientation.
In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 16 a and 16 b, parts 81 a-81 f of a fairing 80 attached to the shaft 12 can be relatively movable such that they can be canted at different angles relative to the shaft 12. In FIG. 16 b, for example, a part 81 b of the fairing 80 has been rotated about the axis of elongation of the shaft 12 relative to the other parts 81 a, 81 c-81 f of the fairing 80. Each of the relatively movable parts 81 a-81 f can include sound generating means (such as holes, orifices or indentations). The arrangement can be such that the different parts of the fairing generate different notes as the club is swung, depending on the relative positioning of the different parts and the swing path. The correct combination of notes as the club is swung can indicate a correct progression of the club head angle, for example.
In some embodiments, the sounds such as whistling can be produced by an electronic device during or after a swing motion. With reference to FIGS. 17 and 18, at least in one arrangement, one or more accelerometers 91 are embedded into the club head 16, hosel, and/or in the shaft 12. The accelerometers 91 are connected to a transmitter 92, which can be in the club head 16, hosel, shaft 12 or grip 14, and which sends a wireless signal 93 to a receiver 94 of processing apparatus 90, the processing apparatus 90 further including a speaker 95 (and/or earphone socket) and a display 96. The signal 93 includes information that can be decoded by a processor 97 of the processing apparatus 90 to determine the swing path and/or swing speed, etc. The processing apparatus 90 can produce sound in accordance with the signal 93 received, during and/or after a swing motion. The processing apparatus 90 in this embodiment is a smartphone 90 that is held remotely from the club, and the transmitter communicates wirelessly with the smartphone using Bluetooth™ signals 93. The processing apparatus can include application software (an “app”) that stores information about the swing motion and that can display information about the swing motion on the display 96, e.g. a graph indicative of the swing path (a “Swing Path” graph). In addition or as an alternative to whistling, other sounds such as spoken words can be emitted by the apparatus 90. In general, any sounds that can provide appropriate prompts to allow a player or their trainer/coach to determine and correct swing motion may be used. Information may be stored over a period of time in a memory 98 of the processing apparatus 90 to allow progress in relation to correction of swing motion to be analysed.
Wile relatively movable parts of the fairing are described above with reference to FIGS. 16 a and 16 b, generally in connection with the generation of different sounds during a sing motion of the club, relatively movable parts may be employed, additionally or alternatively, to modify drag reducing properties of the fairing. For example, rather than being removed, as described above with respect to FIGS. 15 a and 15 b, parts of the fairing may be repositioned relative to other parts of the fairing and/or shaft such as to increase or decrease the drag relief provided by the fairing. For example, as shown in FIG. 16 b, whether or not it has sound producing means, a part 81 b of the fairing 80 can be rotated relative other parts 81 a, 81 c-81 f of the fairing 80 and relative to the shaft 12, such that, aerodynamically, the rotated part 81 b is in a less optimal position during a swing motion of the club and the drag on the club is therefore increased during the swing motion. Again, the drag relief provided by the fairing during a swing motion may be adjusted as a player develops greater muscle strength, for example.
It will be appreciated that existing club heads 16, such as that shown in FIGS. 1 a to 1 c, are substantially aerodynamically efficient. As such, in combination with fairing 20 attached to the shaft adjacent the head 16, the lower end of the club, which moves at high speed has significantly improved aerodynamic characteristics, whilst the remainder of the club is substantially unchanged. Such an arrangement provides a club 10 which optimises club head speed at impact and which stabilises the swing motion of the club 10 resulting in greater ball control and greater ball carry than is currently obtainable with existing golf clubs.
Whilst, as discussed above, existing golf heads 16 provide a relatively even aerodynamic performance, this can be a potential disadvantage as it generates a buffer of air beneath the club as the head 16 approaches the ground. This can cause instability in the motion of the head in the swing path resulting as the head 16 travels along this air buffer. In order to reduce this air buffer, the club head 16 can have a cross-sectional shape as shown in FIG. 6.
In this arrangement the upper surface 16 a of the head 16 provides an airflow path which allows air to easily pass along the surface thereof whilst the lower surface 16 b of the head 16 provides a relatively longer surface for the air to pass over. The shape of the head 16 in part resembles an inverted aircraft wing. The shape serves to create a positive air pressure on the upper surface of the head 16 and a lower pressure on the underside of the club head 16. In this arrangement, as the head 16 approaches the ground, immediately prior to contact with the ball, the club head 16 is drawn or sucked towards the ground, thereby stabilising the club immediately prior to and during the contact stage of the swing. It will be appreciated that other means to reduce the ground effect of the club could be employed. Such means may include providing furrows, holes or a surface treatment in or on the surface of the head 16 to alter the air flow characteristics of the head 16 during the swing stroke.
In FIG. 8, one example of another club arrangement is depicted generally as 30. Here, the club 30 has a grip region 14, a shaft 32 and a head 16. The shaft 32 has a diameter that increases away from the grip region 14. It will be noted that the shaft 32 is depicted as being frusto-conical. In other embodiments, the increase may be non-uniform over its length. It could also comprise a series of stepped portions in which the diameter increases, for example frusto-conically, is then constant, reduces or steps outwardly to a greater diameter, and then again increases in diameter in the manner described herein.
As depicted in FIG. 9, a different example of a club arrangement is depicted generally as 50. Here, the club again has a grip region 14 and a head 16 but is provided with a frusto-conical shaft 51 where the diameter of the shaft decreases moving along the shaft away from the grip region 14. While FIG. 9 depicts a frusto-conical shaft 51, the change in diameter can be non-uniform or comprise a series of stepped portions in which the diameter decreases away from the grip region 14, for example frusto-conically, is then constant, reduces or steps inwardly to a lesser diameter, and then again decreases in diameter in the manner described herein. The increase in diameter towards the grip region 14 can be at a rate that substantially matches or deliberately mismatches the change in shaft speed that occurs during a swing of the golfer, it being understood that the velocity of the shaft closer to the grip region 14 is lower than that closer to the head 16 during a swing.
As depicted in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the frusto-conical region of the shaft can extend over the entire length of the shaft between the grip region 14 and the head 16. In another embodiment, it will be appreciated that the frusto-conical region could be provided in the half of the shaft that is closer to the grip region 14, or in the half of the shaft closer to the club head 16, or it could at least partially span the half way mark between the grip region 14 and the head 16.
Turning back to the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5, a portion, a majority, or all of the shaft can be substantially circular or circular in cross-section. In another embodiment, a portion, a majority or all of the shaft can be substantially non-circular in cross-section. While FIGS. 12 a to 12 e depict examples of possible cross-sectional shapes of the fairing as defined herein, the shaft of the club or implement can also have a cross-sectional shape as depicted in FIGS. 12 a to 12 e. The shaft can have a cross-sectional shape in the form of an aerofoil and/or be wing or blade-shaped in cross section (i.e. it can have as an example one of the cross-sectional shapes depicted by FIGS. 12 to 12 e). Other cross-sectional shapes can be envisaged, such as substantially oval or oval, substantially elliptical or tear-drop-shaped in cross section. Irrespective of its cross-section, the shaft 12 can be equal in flexibility in all planes. This can be achieved by use of different combinations of materials and/or materials with varying properties in forming the shaft 12.
At least some or all of the shaft 12, 32, 51 can also have a surface treatment that modifies the airflow over the part of the shaft 12, 32, 51 that has the surface treatment. In one embodiment, the surface treatment can comprise a dimpling formed in the surface of said portion of said shaft 12, 32, 51. In one embodiment, a portion of the shaft 12, 32, 51 extending back from the head 16 towards the grip region 14 can have the surface treatment. As an example of this location, the cross-hatched region 27 present on the shaft 12 adjacent the head 16 has a surface treatment in the form of a dimpling in the surface. The surface treatment could be provided on other areas of the shaft, and on a portion, the majority or all of the head or a hosel and/or on a portion, the majority or all of the fairing. For example, the surface treatment can be provided on at least some or all of the leading edge of the types of shaft 12, 32, 51. In another embodiment, more than one type of surface treatment can be provided, with different types of surface treatment being present at different locations on the shaft 12, 32, 51, head 16 and/or fairing.
The dimpling can comprise a plurality of dimples formed in said portion or all of the shaft, head and/or fairing. Some or all of the plurality of dimples can be provided in an array on said portion. Alternatively, some or all of the plurality of dimples can be provided randomly on said portion. Each of the dimples can be identical or at least some of the dimples can be different to some of the other dimples. Each dimple can have a depth and diameter. All of the dimples can have the same depth and/or diameter or at least some or all of the dimples can have a different depth and/or diameter to at least one of the other dimples. The dimples can have a circular on non-circular perimeter. The diameter of the dimples can range from between about 0.5 mm and 10 mm, more preferably between about 1 mm and 7 mm. The maximum depth of the dimples can vary between about 0.1 mm and 10 mm, more preferably between about 1 mm and 4 mm.
In one embodiment, surface treatment can be provided on some or all of the leading face of the shaft and no surface treatment can be provided on some or all of the trailing face of the shaft. For example, the surface treatment can extend up to between about 80 and 150 degrees on either side of the leading edge of the shaft. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 19, the surface treatment, particularly dimpling 123, extends to about 120 degrees either side of the leading edge 125 of the shaft 12, with no surface treatment being provided around about 60 degrees either side of the trailing edge 126 of the shaft 12. The dimpling 123 therefore extends around the entire leading face 1251 of the shaft 12, which is substantially centred around the leading edge 125 of the shaft, and around a portion only of the trailing face 1261 of the shaft 12, which is substantially centred around the trailing edge 126 of the shaft.
In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 20 a and 20 b, a progressively greater degree of surface treatment is provided on the shaft 12 as the shaft extends towards the club head (a direction down the page with respect to FIGS. 20 a and 20 b). For example, as shown in FIG. 20 a, the density of dimpling 123 on the shaft can increase towards the club head 16 and, as shown in FIG. 20 b, progressively larger dimples 123 can be provided on the shaft 12 towards the club head 16. By increasing the density or size of the dimples 123 on the shaft 12 towards the club head, in addition to controlling air flow, the dimpling 123 can be used to control the flexibility of the shaft 12, particularly such as to increase the flexibility and therefore club speed towards the club head 16.
The surface treatment can be such that the shaft, in any plane perpendicular to the elongation direction of the shaft between the grip region and the head, has substantially equal flexibility in all directions along that plane While providing surface treatment irregularly around the surface of the shaft may substantially affect the uniform flexibility in some embodiments, the effect may be insubstantial in other embodiments. For example, even where a shaft of homogenous material having a circular cross-section is provided with surface treatment at some or all of a leading face but not at some or all of a trailing face, the shaft may substantially maintain the equal flexibility in all directions, e.g. to an extent required by rules and regulations of a sport, such as golf. Nonetheless, as shown in FIG. 21, to maintain the equal flexibility, in one embodiment a reduced outer shaft radius A is provided over a portion 127 of the shaft 12 that has no surface treatment 123, in comparison to an outer shaft radius B of a portion 128 of the shaft 12 with surface treatment 123.
In one embodiment, as represented in FIG. 22, dimples 123 can be provided by indentations in the outer surface of the shaft 12 that define no sharp corner or ledges with the outer surface of the shaft 12. By maintaining a smooth profile on the outer surface of the shaft 12, there may be fewer stress points on the shaft 12, reducing the likelihood of damage or breakage to the club.
The striking face of known club heads are hollowed, to allow a trampoline style of face with which to strike the ball. This loss of material means that a higher terminal velocity is required to maintain the momentum, which is in turn transferred to the ball as it is struck. Making a larger club head can overcome this, however, there are penalties in terms of drag and also the rules of golf limit the dimensions of the club head, as well as the proportion of those dimensions.
In a further embodiment, a relatively heavy material, such as a relatively heavy metal (e.g. palladium) can be used within the club head, for example, the club head 16 depicted in FIG. 3. The presence of this relatively heavy material serves to increase the momentum of any given club head. This relatively heavy material may also be positioned eccentrically to counter some natural defect in the players swing or ball strike. For example, the relatively heavy material may be positioned relatively closer to the face 15 of the head 16 than the rear of the club head 16. Instead or on addition, the relatively heavy material may be positioned closer to the upper surface of the head 16 than the lower surface. In one embodiment, a golfer can use a practice club which provides for adjustable positioning of the relatively heavy material so allowing a determination of the final desired position for the material in a game club.
In a further embodiment, some, the majority or all of the grip region (for example, the grip region 14 of the club 30 depicted in FIG. 8) of the club is formed, at least in part, from a fluid that undergoes a relatively rapid increase in viscosity with applied strain rate, i.e. is non-Newtonian. As such, the grip region 14 can be moulded to the palms and fingers of the golfer by use of a relatively slow gripping action but then maintain that moulded shape during the relatively fast swing and strike phases of use of the club. The non-Newtonian fluid can be a liquid or gel and be contained within one or more outer layers.
Whilst the present application has described a particular application to a golf club (in FIGS. 1-9 and 13 a to 22), it will be appreciated that implements other than golf clubs can have the features defined herein, including implements used in sporting and non-sporting endeavors whereby an apparatus is swung by a user at speed. In this regard, implements such as paddles or oars used in canoes, kayaks, and rowing boats, such as single and double sculls, or clothing, can have the features defined herein with an aim being to reduce turbulence associated with use therewith. Such devices can still have a grip region, a shaft and a head (in the form of a blade) or otherwise. As an example only, FIGS. 10 a and 10 b depict a kayak paddle 40 having a shaft 41 and a blade 42. In this embodiment, the shaft 41 also has a fairing 43 mounted thereon adjacent the blade 42. It will be appreciated a similar fairing could be provided at the other end of the paddle 40 adjacent the other blade. Other possible implements include baseball bats (such as depicted generally as 50 in FIG. 11). Here again, the bat 50 has a gripping region 51, a shaft 52, a head 53 and is depicted with one example of a fairing 54. Other sporting implements such as cricket bats, tennis racquets, table tennis paddles, and other such sporting equipment where control and speed of the equipment is fundamental in optimising sporting performance could have one, some or all of the features described herein with reference to the golf club. It could be used on tools or other items that need to be swung, including hammers or the arms or legs of clothing. For example, a fairing or surface treatment such as dimpling could be provided on a garment, e.g. on an arm or leg of the garment or elsewhere on the garment. While FIGS. 10 a to 11 depict integral fairings, the fairings could be attachable in a manner such as is depicted in FIG. 3 with respect to the golf club. The fairing used on these other sporting implements or tools could have any combination of the features as described herein with reference to the golf club. These other sporting implements and tools can also be modified, where applicable to have a shaft having the features defined herein with reference to the golf club. Still further, the other sporting implements (e.g. their shafts and heads) and the fairings mounted thereto can have the surface treatment as described herein.
It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to what is shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the scope as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A golf club or implement comprising:

a grip region;

a head; and

a shaft connecting the grip region to the head;

wherein a portion of the shaft has a plurality of dimples that modifies the airflow over at least that portion of the shaft.

2. The golf club or implement of claim 1, wherein said portion of the shaft that has the plurality of dimples extends around some or all of a leading face of the shaft.

3. The golf club or implement of claim 2, wherein said portion of the shaft that has the plurality of dimples does not extend around some or all of a trailing face of the shaft.

4. The golf club or implement of claim 1, wherein the said portion of the shaft that has the dimples extends between about 80 and 150 degrees on either side of a leading edge of the shaft.

5. The golf club or implement of claim 4, wherein the said portion of the shaft that has the dimples extends between about 100 and 140 degrees on either side of the leading edge of the shaft.

6. The golf club or implement of claim 5, wherein said portion extends around about 120 degrees only on either side of leading edge of the shaft.

7. The golf club or implement of claim 1, wherein said portion of the shaft that has the plurality of dimples extends along the shaft away from the head for a length less than half of the length of the shaft.

8. The golf club or implement of claim 1, wherein said portion of the shaft that has the plurality of dimples extends along the shaft away from the head for a length less than a third of the length of the shaft.

9. The golf club or implement of claim 1 wherein the dimples are provided in a uniform array on said portion that has the plurality of dimples.

10. The golf club or implement of claim 1, wherein a plurality of dimples are distributed substantially randomly on said portion that has the plurality of dimples.

11. The golf club or implement of claim 1, wherein all of the dimples have the same depth and/or diameter.

12. The golf club or implement of claim 1, wherein at least one or more of the dimples have a different depth and/or diameter to at least one or more other of the dimples.

13. The golf club or implement of claim 1, wherein the dimples have a circular perimeter.

14. The golf club or implement of claim 1, wherein the dimples have a non-circular perimeter.

15. The golf club or implement of claim 1, wherein a progressively greater number of dimples per unit area are provided on said portion of the shaft that has the plurality of dimples, as that portion extends along the shaft in a direction from the grip region towards the head.

16. The golf club or implement of claim 1, wherein progressively larger dimples are provided on said portion of the shaft that has the plurality of dimples, as that portion extends along the shaft in a direction from the grip region towards the head.

17. The golf club or implement of claim 1, wherein one or more of the dimples define no sharp corner or ledges with an outer surface of the shaft.

18. The golf club or implement of claim 1, wherein the shaft has a substantially circular cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the direction of elongation of the shaft.

19. The golf club or implement of claim 1, wherein, in any plane perpendicular to the elongation direction of the shaft between the grip region and the head, the shaft has substantially equal flexibility in all directions along that plane.

20. The golf club or implement of claim 19, wherein one or more material properties of said portion of the shaft that has the plurality of dimples is different to one or more material properties of a portion of the shaft that does not have a plurality of dimples or that has a lower number of dimples, such that, in any plane perpendicular to the elongation direction of the shaft between the grip region and the head, the shaft has substantially equal flexibility in all directions along that plane.

21. The golf club or implement of claim 19, wherein a radius of said portion of the of the shaft that has the plurality of dimples, is different to a radius of a portion of the outer surface of the shaft that has no dimples or a lower number of dimples, such that, in any plane perpendicular to the elongation direction of the shaft between the grip region and the head, the shaft has substantially equal flexibility in all directions along that plane.

22. A fairing for a golf club or other implement having a grip region and a shaft and which is moved in use, the fairing being attached or attachable to the shaft of the golf club or implement to reduce drag associated with said shaft during a swing motion of the club or movement of the implement, wherein the fairing comprises parts that are movable relative to each other or independently removable from the fairing such as to alter the drag reducing properties of the fairing.

23. The fairing of claim 22, wherein the fairing comprises parts that are movable relative to each other such as to alter the drag reducing properties of the fairing.

24. The fairing of claim 22, wherein the fairing comprises parts that are independently removable from the fairing such as to alter the drag reducing properties of the fairing.

25. A golf club comprising:

a grip region;

a head;

a hosel extending from the head;

a shaft connected between the grip region and the hosel; and

indicia indicative of a speed at which a swing motion of the golf club is aerodynamically stable.

26. The golf club of claim 25 further comprising a fairing attached to the hosel.

27. The golf club of claim 25, wherein the hosel has a non-circular cross-section along a plane perpendicular to a direction of elongation of the hosel between the shaft and the head.